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How to Make the Products You Already Own More Effective

I recently met with natural skincare founder Sarah Villafranco to talk life-changing products. (It’s my favourite subject.) During that time, she talked about her background—emergency medicine—and how passionate she is about unique, good-for-you ingredients from both a health and wellness perspective. Villafranco started her company, Osmia, with that ethos in mind, as skin is a manifestation of the body’s health in general. And, honestly, who better to trust with your skin and health than a medical professional?

We discussed one of Osmia’s newest launches, the Nectar Vital Rose Drops ($136), and how it’s a seriously multitasking product. Not only is it wonderful on its own (it’s a healing, silky mix of safflower, argan, prickly pear, and pumpkin seed oils—as well as rosehip seed oil to repair sun damage and decrease inflammation), but it also has some other tricks hidden in that tiny glass bottle. The best one? It actually makes your other products work better.

Villafranco explains, “By adding three to four drops of Nectar to your usual face cream or serum, you will increase penetration, strengthen the skin cells, and help them retain moisture throughout the day.” So, though it is pricey—one bottle is tagged at over a hundred dollars—it’s actually allowing you to get the most bang for your buck with your other products. What’s more, “the aromatherapy effect is profound, as well, providing anti-anxiety and antidepressant benefits, and opening the heart to healing, grounding, and self-love,” she says.

Still unsure? Think of it like this: This one product adds moisture, luxury, and anti-irritation benefits to your skincare routine, allowing your existing products to work at their highest capacity and making it easier to transition to a more all-natural regimen. You don’t have to throw anything away, and you don’t have to buy anything new. All you have to do is add a small amount of the oil into each product you use and continue as usual. Gently mix and pat your products into your skin, and you can continue with your day.

One of the company’s best selling scents, this perfume oil is a blend of vanilla, sandalwood, juniper and cedar. The founder explains, “I made this scent after stepping outside our house on a breathlessly cold, blue-sky day with a fire burning in the fireplace. It is sweet, crisp, and comforting—somehow both chilly and incredibly warm.”

Use this natural deodorant cream (made from clay, baking soda, and organic starch) to stay dry on even the sweatiest of summer nights. It includes a potent blend of essential oils to control bacteria and calm irritated skin.